More resources to get you started with Cricut Explore 3. Just select a link below.
- What comes in the box
- Machine overview
- Learn about compatible machine mats
- Learn about compatible blades and machine tools
- Learn about compatible materials
- Learn about compatible pens and markers
- Register your machine
- How to Download Design Space
- How to connect to Design Space
- FAQ
What comes in the box
- Cricut Explore 3 machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Blade Housing (pre-installed in the B clamp)
- Accessory Adapter (pre-installed in the A clamp)
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety document
- Warranty document
- USB cable
- Power adapter and power cord
- Material for test cut
- Bonus materials
Machine overview
Learn about compatible machine mats
Cricut Explore 3 can cut Smart Materials without a mat, as well as a wide variety of other materials on a machine mat. Machine mats have an adhesive area with just the right grip to hold your material in place during cutting, then allow you to easily remove it when finished.
Cricut Explore 3 can use 12 in x 12 in (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) and 12 in x 24 in (30.5 cm x 61 cm) machine mats in four different grip strengths, as well as Cricut Card Mat 2 x 2. Learn more about machine mats.
Learn about compatible blades and machine tools
Cricut Explore 3 comes with a Fine-Point blade + housing (pictured below) to cut a wide variety of popular materials, but can also use a Deep Point blade for cutting some thicker materials. See compatible blades and machine tools.
Learn about compatible materials
Cricut Explore 3 works with 100+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. See all 100+ materials.
Learn about compatible pens and markers
Cricut Explore 3 can write and draw with Cricut Pens and Markers to add a variety of colors, line weights, and effects to your projects. See compatible pens and markers.
FAQ
What are the differences between the different Cricut Explore machines?
|
Cricut Explore 3 |
Cricut Explore Air 2 | Cricut Explore Air | Cricut Explore One | Cricut Explore | |
| Two tool clamps | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
— (Pen adapter sold separately) |
✔ |
| Built-in Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
— (Bluetooth wireless adapter sold separately) |
— (Bluetooth wireless adapter sold separately) |
| Print Then Cut capability | On white & colored materials | On white materials | One white materials | On white materials | On white materials |
| Smart Set Dial |
— (Software integrated settings) |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cartridge Port | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Compatible with Smart Materials for long cuts without a machine mat | ✔ | — | — | — | — |
| Up to 2X faster cutting and writing |
✔ (compared to Cricut Explore Air 2) |
✔ (compared to Cricut Explore Air) |
— | — | — |
| Expanded storage cup | ✔ | — | — | — | — |
| Lid tray to hold mobile/tablet device | ✔ | — | — | — | — |
| Compatible with Roll Holder | ✔ | — | — | — | — |
Click here to compare Cricut Explore models with other Cricut smart cutting machines.
What is the size and weight of Cricut Explore machines?
The size and weight are as follows for all Cricut Explore machines:
- Height: 15.01 cm (5.91 in)
- Length: 56.31 cm (22.17 in)
- Width: 17.80 cm (7.01 in)
- Weight: 4.98 kg (10.98 lbs)
What are the power requirements of this machine?
All Cricut Explore series machines need between 100-240 volts input to operate.
Does it matter how I route the power cord for my Cricut Explore 3 machine?
Yes. Cricut Explore 3 comes with a 90-degree connector to help ensure Smart Materials do not come into contact with your power cord as the material exits the back of the machine. We recommend routing your power cord to ensure material movement is unobstructed.
How do I align Smart Materials when loading it into the machine?
Align Smart materials with left material guides. Push material gently against rollers as you press Load button.
Can I use other brands of vinyl or iron-on without a mat?
No. We recommend using a machine mat when using other brands of vinyl or iron-on. Cricut Smart Materials have been rigorously tested to cut without a mat on Cricut Explore 3 machines.
I'm new to Smart Materials. What are they?
These clever materials work without a machine mat, just load the material directly into your Cricut Explore 3 machine and go. Smart Materials come in a variety of material types, including Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, and Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock. Visit this article for information.
Do I need to measure and cut my Smart Materials before loading?
No, you can load Smart Materials directly into your machine without measuring, or precutting. If using Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On, we recommend leaving material attached to the rest of the roll while cutting.
How will I know if I have enough Smart Materials for my project?
Cricut Explore 3 measures loaded Smart Materials for each project before cutting. If more material is needed to cut your project, Design Space will prompt you to load the required material length.
Tip: You’ll need at need at least 13 in x 6 in (33 cm x 15.2 cm) of Smart Materials to cut without a mat.
Do I need to buy Cricut Roll Holder if I plan on using longer rolls of Smart Materials?
No, Cricut Explore 3 is designed to work with rolls of Smart Materials up to 75 ft (22.8 m) right out of the box. While not required, Cricut Roll Holder is extremely helpful when using larger rolls and it helps keep your material aligned for clean, precise cuts.
How wide is a roll of Smart Vinyl or Smart Iron-On?
The roll of material is 13 in (33 cm) wide. The maximum cuttable width is 11.7 in (29.7 cm).
How do I apply long lengths of vinyl?
Follow these instructions for transferring long cuts of vinyl onto your project surface.
What tools do I need to get started?
Required tools will vary depending on the project. We recommend starting with our Essential Tool Set.
Why is there a delay between pressing the pause button and my machine pausing?
A small amount of data for your project is stored in your machine so it knows what to do next. When pausing a cut, there is a small delay while your machine processes the pause.